

Lunchtime Live
Newstalk
Andrea Gilligan invites callers to have their say on the topics of the day - get in touch by emailing lunchtimelive@newstalk.com Listen and subscribe to Lunchtime Live on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Download, listen and subscribe on the Newstalk App.CONVERSATION THAT COUNTS | Ireland’s national independent talk station for news, sport, analysis and entertainmentListen to Newstalk at http://newstalk.com/listenlive | Download the GoLoud app now, the new home for Newstalk
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 19, 2026 • 21min
How difficult is it to get a school place for your child?
How hard is it today to get a school place for your child? Listener Emma wrote in sharing her frustrations, and joins Andrea along with other listeners, to discuss…

Feb 19, 2026 • 11min
The Making of CMAT’s ‘Crazymad, for Me’
We’ve decided to do a deep dive on some of our favourite albums to explore the stories behind them.What did the artists really think of each other? Where did the inspirations from the songs come from?Joining Andrea to discuss is Head Tour Guide at the Irish Rock ‘N’ Roll Museum Experience, Alan Buckley, who’s going to talk through CMAT’s ‘Crazymad, for Me’!

Feb 19, 2026 • 20min
Should Irish Uber restrictions be lifted?
The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) has proposed allowing drivers to use their own cars for taxi services without needing a special licence, with regulation focused on safety and service standards.This would enable companies like Uber to operate as they do internationally, increasing competition in the taxi market. While consumers could benefit, the move may face backlash from existing taxi drivers.Would you support lifting Uber restrictions?Joining Andrea to discuss is Lar Kelly, Director of Hola Taxis, Ciara Mooney, Managing Director of Freedom Travel & Solo Travel and listeners.

Feb 18, 2026 • 20min
Are hot school meals lacking nutrients?
Independent Ireland leader Michael Collins has said that you would “need a very strong stomach” to eat some of the hot school meals currently being provided in schools.For many children, these meals are not just an option - they are a vital source of daily nutrition and, in some cases, their main meal of the day.This raises an important question: are these meals truly fit for purpose, or should they be more nutrient-dense to properly support children’s health, growth and learning?Joining Andrea to discuss is Principal of Mother of Divine Grace National School in Finglas, Eoin Dolan, as well as listeners.

Feb 18, 2026 • 12min
Reasons to be Happy: Arklow, Pubs, Mother Pride
Lunchtime Live's Reasons to be Happy looks at some of the news stories that you might have missed that will leave you feeling more optimistic.98FM’s Cathal O’Sullivan joined Andrea in the studio to put a smile on your faces…

Feb 18, 2026 • 11min
Séamus Culleton’s daughter: “no sympathy whatsoever” on ICE detainment
Irishman Seamus Culleton was issued a temporary order postponing his deportation from the US yesterday…He was moved to a detention facility after being arrested by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers in September.He spoke out last week - prompting much discussion about his detention here at home. Today, one of his twin daughters, Heather Morrisey, joins Andrea to discuss…Image: @carrasnyc on Instagram

Feb 18, 2026 • 15min
Making Babies: Barriers for conception
Every Wednesday afternoon, we’ll be talking Making Babies.Andrea will be joined by Professor Shane Higgins, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, to cover every area of trying to have a baby. From the very start of knowing how to prepare, right up to pregnancy – and all the bumps in the road in between.This week, Shane joins Andrea to answer any of your questions, and discuss the common barriers couples may face when trying to conceive.

Feb 18, 2026 • 9min
What are ‘mass bangers’?
Hopefully you’ll be singing from the same hymn sheet as Andrea’s guest…Musician Paul Luby is well known for his covers of ‘mass bangers’ and he joins to discuss what they are, and why they have become so popular.

Feb 18, 2026 • 20min
What should be done about dangerous scrambler driving?
A video has been posted online, showing a group of teenage boys riding scramblers on Cork’s busiest road at near-peak traffic.The youths were seen speeding and doing wheelies along the N40 near Douglas, only two weeks after the government announced a crackdown on scramblers following the death of Grace Lynch in Finglas…So, what should be done about this behaviour?Joining Andrea to discuss is Joe O’Shea, Editor of Cork Beo, Cian Ginty, Editor of Irish Cycle, as well as listeners.

Feb 17, 2026 • 11min
Does the new ‘Monk’ play glamourise crime?
Rex Ryan’s ‘The Monk’, which is about the life of Gerry ‘The Monk’ Hutch, opened last night at the Ambassador Theatre in Dublin. Andrea was in attendance, as well as Gerry Hutch, who also performed in the play.The question surrounding this play is: does it glamourise crime? Andrea was able to ask this exact question to those who watched it…


